Tours/Viator
Viator · group up to 12 pax

Nara Early Morning Tour (Kyoto or Osaka Departure Available)

4.9(1,001)1 hour
VIATOR4.9(439)TRIPADVISOR4.9(562)

Description

Nara becomes extremely crowded in the afternoon, making photos difficult. In our tour, we visit the main sites—Kofuku-ji, Todaiji, Nara Park, and Kasuga Grand Shrine—before the crowds arrive. ⬇︎PLEASE READ THE FOLLOWING CAREFULLY⬇︎ * Please arrive 10 minutes early. Late guests cannot be accepted and no refunds will be given. * For the Kyoto/Osaka Station Pickup option: the one-way train fare to Nara is included. The return ticket is not included. *This tour has up to 12 guests. *In this tour, we will walk about 10,000 steps. (stairs and hills included) *We will be using the public train (not a private vehicle) to go from Kyoto/Osaka to Nara which each takes around 1 hour. * Tour duration:  – Kyoto/Osaka Departure: 4.5 hours  – Kintetsu Nara Station Meeting: 3.5 hours Please provide a phone number that is reachable in Japan and on WhatsApp so that we have a smooth interaction before the tour date. Travel agents must enter the guest’s phone number, not the agency’s.

Tour Options

Osaka Station Pickup
  • Starting point: Osaka Tourist Information Center, Japan, 530-0001 Osaka, Kita Ward, Umeda, 3-chōme−1−1 JR大阪駅中央コンコース
Kyoto Station Pickup
  • Kyoto Station Pickup: We will meet at Kyoto Station Central Ticket Gate, the northern side of the station where you can see Kyoto Tower outside. Starting point: Kyoto Station, Higashishiokoji Kamadonocho, Shimogyo Ward, Kyoto, 600-8216, Japan
Kintetsu Nara Station Meet Up
  • Kintetsu Nara Station: We will meet you at in front of the Gyoki Bosatsu statue near Exit 2 or East Exist of Kintetsu Nara Station. (NOT JR Nara) Duration: 3 hours Starting point: Kintetsu-Nara Station, Japan, 630-8215 Nara, Nishimikadochō, 東向中町29

Itinerary

30 min

Kofuku-ji Temple was established in Nara at the same time as the capital in 710. It is famous for it's five-storied pagoda, the second tallest wooden pagoda in Japan just seven meters shorter than the five-storied pagoda at Kyoto's Toji Temple. See this temple for yourself at sunrise!

60 min

Kasuga Grand Shrine is famous for it's lanterns, which have been donated by worshippers. There are approximately 3000 stone and bronze lanterns, standing as one of Japan's most historical shrines. It holds significance as the sacred grounds that inspired the presence of deer in Nara Park.

30 min

Nara Park is home to thousands of wild deers. These deers are considered to be sacred because it's said that one of the 4 gods in Kasuga Shrine rode the deer to Nara. The cute thing about these deers is that they bow at you when you feed them! It's an experience that everyone should try!

Admission not included60 min

Todaiji Temple is famous for its Great Buddha Statue, the biggest Buddha statue in Japan. Until recently, this temple's man hall was the world's largest wooden building. It looks beautiful but once you know the history to why it was built and it's historical significance, you will be shocked!

Highlights

Transportation Fee from Kyoto/Osaka to Nara (Only if you select the option)
English-Speaking guide

What's included

Included
Transportation Fee from Kyoto/Osaka to Nara (Only if you select the option)
English-Speaking guide
Not included
Food and Drinks
Transportation Fee for returning from Nara to Kyoto/Osaka
Todai-ji Temple

Traveller Ratings

4.9
1,001 reviews
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Important Information

  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
  • Not recommended for pregnant travelers
  • Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
  • Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
  • We will walk about 10,000 steps during this tour.
  • Not recommended for guests over 75.
  • Guests under the age of 6 cannot join.

Reviews(1,001)

4.9
Based on 1,001 verified reviews
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